Former Brumbies and Blues coach David Nucifora has been confirmed as manager of the Australian Rugby Union's high performance unit.

ARU boss John O'Neill confirmed the appointment with the former Wallaby hooker to commence in the position next month.

"We are delighted to have David on board," O'Neill said in a statement.

"He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and hard-earned credibility.

"David won a Super 12 title with the ACT Brumbies (in 2004). He was so well regarded by New Zealand rugby figures that he was later recruited to coach the Blues in Auckland.

"I have openly said in recent times that he was the man we were targeting for the high performance role.

"His coaching experience on both sides of the Tasman has given him an insight into what we need to ensure our development systems produce elite players capable of taking us back to No.1 in the world."

Nucifora, 46, said he was looking forward to returning home to Australia after four seasons in New Zealand, and to a close working relationship with new Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

"I see this position as having a real performance focus," he said in the statement.

"It's about making sure we use world best practices to develop our playing ranks.

"That includes talent identification and ensuring elite players have every opportunity to reach their full potential.

"The aim is to make sure we are the best in the world.

"Working with coaches around the country and putting the right systems in place will help us down that path.

"There is no doubt Robbie Deans and I will work together to develop the bigger picture for Australian Rugby.

"I'm excited by this opportunity."

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